HEPATITIES

=======================================================================
             Jaundice & Viral Hepatitis : An Abstract 
=======================================================================

  The Viral Hepatitis,causing inflammatory reaction of the Liver, can 
             result from  A to E strains of Viruses.  

Hepatitis A: 
------------
This is spread by feco-oral route(contamination). Most of
the infections pass unnoticed. 
Incubation 2 to 6 weeks.
Treatment is by supportive methods only.
After infection immunity is probably for life long.
The disease is self limiting and no carrier state or chronic liver 
disease occurs.
Vaccination routinely is not recomeded.

Hepatitis B:
------------
Spread: Blood products, secretions and sexual intercourse with multiple 
partners.
Risk groups: Homosexuals,Health workers,Drug abusers,Dialysis patients.
Incubation 1 to 6 months.
Treatment: supportive and chronic hepatitis may respond to IFN.
Prognosis: Good  but 5 to 10 % may go into chronic hepatitis leading to 
cirrhosis of the liver and/or cancer. Rarely Nephritis.

Vaccination: For the risk groups, partners of carriers, children born to 
carriers and others by option. Vaccination is done at Health Centre.

Hepatitis C:
------------
Spread    :
Treatment :     Similar to Hepatitis B
Prognosis :

Caution   : Transfusion blood is to be screened; A must !

Hepatitis D:
------------
This is an incomplete (RNA)virus which exists in presence of Hepatitis B
and is spread by the same routes. This increses the incidence of 
cirrhosis of the liver.

Hepatitis E:
------------
This is similar to Hepatitis A in transmission and clinical features. 
There is no apparant risk of chronic liver disease or cirrhosis of the 
liver. 
=========================================================================

AT PRESENT VACCINES FOR HEPATITIS  C,  D,  and E  ARE NOT AVAILABLE

=========================================================================
For all queries please contact your Doctor.
========================================================================